What should you know about cradle cap fungal?

Cradle cap, or infantile seborrheic dermatitis, commonly causes flaky or greasy scale on a baby’s scalp and sometimes nearby skin. Its appearance alone does not confirm a fungal infection. Irritation, eczema, contact reactions, and other rashes can look similar, especially when the skin has been rubbed or exposed to new products.

Use gentle cleansing and soften attached scale with a plain emollient rather than picking. Avoid sharing medicated creams, using adult scalp products, or applying an antifungal near the eyes without professional instructions. If a clinician thinks medication is appropriate, they can explain [Topical Antifungal Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antifungal-therapy/) and whether [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/) can support scale care. Follow the advised amount and application area carefully.

Arrange medical review if the rash is rapidly spreading, intensely inflamed, painful, warm, cracked, or draining fluid. Seek prompt advice when the baby has fever, reduced feeding, unusual sleepiness, or swelling around the eyes. A clinician may need to inspect the skin because these features are not explained by simple flaking alone.

Ask what features support cradle cap and what features suggest another infection or dermatitis. Ask whether testing is needed, which treatment is safe for the baby’s age, and when to stop or return for review.